Karen Cheong is our faculty liaison for Pendergraph this year and has been such a joy (plus a whole lot of fun!) to work alongside. Cheryl Watson interviewed her recently:

Tell us about your husband and his role at Southern Seminary:

Dr. Robert Cheong is Assistant Professor of Biblical Counseling at Boyce. He also teaches Introduction to Biblical Counseling in Seminary Wives Institute. Together, we have counseled hundreds of couples over the last 10 years in pre-marital counseling and also couples in marriage counseling over the last 5 years.

When were you married?

July 30, 1983.

Tell us about your children:

Ashley (23 ½) just married in July to Jesse. Ryan (19 ½) and Whitney (18 ½) are both in college in Lexington.

What is your favorite Louisville restaurant?

Ramsi’s and Avalon (Both are on Bardstown Road)

Describe the occasion of your conversion:

I did not grow up in a Christian home. I attended Catholic schools, went to mass on special holidays, and thought Jesus was “the man on the cross.” Years later, I prayed the sinner’s prayer and was baptized. I had a “head knowledge” but not a relationship with Jesus Christ. Years passed, and Robert and I came to Southern as students. Our first year at Southern was our 13th year of marriage and the hardest year of our marriage. We weren’t sure it would survive. At the end of that first year, the Lord saved me! I recognized I was a sinner, in need of a Savior, confessed my sinfulness to my husband and the Lord, and called upon the name of Jesus as Lord and Savior.

There was a definite change in who I was! The morning following my conversion, I woke up and for the first time in many years, I was physically hungry- and it was okay! You see, I struggled with an eating disorder for many, many years and the Lord rescued me from the bondage of this sin- in an instant! Not only did I have a physical hunger, but I have a hunger for God like I never had before! I wanted to know God and wanted to study His Word! And this began my sweet journey with my Lord as a Believer in the Lord Jesus! Praise Him!

Where do you and your husband attend church?

We attend Sojourn Community Church where Robert is one of the staff pastors. I appreciate so much that the Gospel is at the center of every ministry at Sojourn! I also appreciate the authenticity of the members and their desire for truth to be spoken in love to one another! There is also a deep hunger for the Truth of God’s Word to be taught.

In what ways do you most enjoy serving in the church?

I absolutely love the opportunity and privilege to help women grown in their intimate relationship with Christ! This can be done in disciplining relationships where hearts are shared and truth is spoken in love to one another. And in the teaching and studying of God’s Word together.

What are you currently reading?

How People Change and Relationships: A Mess Worth Making. These are both counseling books by Tim Lane and Paul Tripp.

Why did you get involved with Pendergraph Board this year?

12 years ago I was a part of this ministry as a student wife. I just loved the vision of Mrs. Pendergraph and the ministry that it provided to women. I really respect and love Mrs. Pendergraph and felt a strong desire to be apart of this ministry again as a faculty wife so many years later. The Lord definitely led me to the faculty liaison position on the Pendergraph Women’s Ministry Board this year.

Do you have any words of encouragement for the women at Southern and Boyce as they prepare for ministry?

Our God is a faithful God. He is always at work in us and through us! He knows our needs, our fears, and our hearts. Trust Him with all of those things! Draw near to God. His nearness is our goodness!